On Our Reading List: Let's Bring Back

From 1936 to 1962, legendary Harper's Bazaar editor in chief Diana Vreeland inspired readers with her witty "Why Don't You?" column in the magazine. Now author Lesley M.M. Blume is taking readers on a nostalgic trip to the past in her new book Let's Bring Back (Chronicle Books, out now) an encyclopedia of "forgotten-yet-delightful things from times gone by," inspired by Vreeland. "It's often said that adults lose that sense of whimsy or imagination. For Diana Vreeland it was the opposite; it only got magnified as she got older," says Blume.

Her witty suggestions include such forgotten pleasures as throwing a garden party, baking Girl Scout cookies using the original recipe, or "motoring" out to see a double feature film. Blume reminisces about a time when women leisurely met for tea instead of gulping down caramel macchiatos with Blackberries in tow. And, of course, no outfit was complete without the right hat and red lipstick—even better if that outfit was one of Elsa Schiaparelli's or Paco Rabanne's daring designs.

Two upcoming parties will give readers the chance to celebrate old times with Blume: a Peggy Guggenheim-inspired Dadaist party on November 11, and a party at 16 at the Soho House, where historic pieces from boutique New York Vintage will be on display.

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